On October 17th, the Picatinny Chapter held their 13th Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Event. This year's event focused on how fitness, nutrition, and overall healthy living can improve one's chances of surviving cancer and even reduce risk factors. The event featured presentations by Carena Aljallad, a dietician from Saint Clare's Hospital in Denville; Denise Munday, a trainer from the Lakeland YMCA; and Marisa Petrone, a Physical Therapist from Saint Clare's Hospital in Denville. Participants learned about the ways that physical therapy and regular exercise during cancer treatment can significantly improve recovery time as well as quality of life. In addition, participants were introduced to different ways they can monitor their daily nutrition to not only improve overall health, but using food to increase immunities. At the end of the event, a prize raffle was held for attendees and those who purchased prepaid raffle tickets. There were some amazing prizes handed out, all donated by generous local businesses. Picatinny WID would like to thank the following businesses and individuals for donating to our raffle: Gail McGuiness, The NY Jets, Walt Disney World Theme Parks, NDIA, Susan Elias (Avon), Tabitha Chase-Dombroski (Perfectly Posh), Edith MacDonald, Jane Krueger, Six Flags Great Adventure, The Olive Garden of Rockaway, The Hilton Garden Inn of Rockaway, La Salsa Mexican Grill, Facials by Francine, Jessica Francois (Perfectly Posh and Thirty-One Gifts), Title Boxing Club of Parsippany, Lakeland YMCA, ABCMouse.com, Warren & Griite Guows, Erin Usawicz Photography, Marie Bizub Jurewicz (Touchstone Crystal Jewelry).

Even amidst financial hard times and the lurking holiday shopping season just around the corner, the local Picatinny Community and invited guests, along with members of the Picatinny Military and Civilians Club (PMCC) was able to raise over $2,200 for donation to the Sussex-Warren and Morris County Cancer Coalitions of New Jersey as a result of a $2 per event ticket donation and 100% of the raffle proceeds. PMCC also chipped into this donation by selling attendees chances to vote in their Bras for a Cause display. Members of the chapter decorated bras with various creative themes and they were on display at the event. They were beautiful and a wonderful way to raise additional funds for the cause! Congratulations to 16-year old Blair Nulk on winning first place with her "Guns and Roses" bra. Second place was awarded to Missy Nulk with "Pretty in Pink" and the third place prize went to Yvette Figueroa with "Health Watch." Thank you to all who purchased tickets, volunteered their time, attended the event, and contributed in any way to supporting this event. With 85 people in attendance and a 40% increase in our donation from last year's event we are already excited for what the 14th annual event will bring. Stay tuned to www.picatinnywid.com and www.facebook.com/PicatinnyChapterWID for updates and photos!